Buying a new (to me) truck, but what year?

My 2009 was totaled last week, so I am about to buy a truck between 2013-2016. My favorite so far is a 2016, so I have a question, well, two. Between those model years, which is your favorite, and any thoughts on the 2016, ie, gen 3? I am looking at a few that have relatively low mileage, and some might be pretty sweet deals. Here is one that I am test driving this weekend, and I do plan to talk them down on the price.

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5TFSZ5ANXGX005911?partner=UEA_9

 

2016s have slightly more issues than the 2017s as with all first production runs but everything so far has been minor and covered under warranty.

I would pick the the 3rd gen myself.

 

I am also looking at some 2014 trucks with 30-60k miles on them. I love the visual changes in the 2016s, though. My favorite gen was 2nd, but those trucks are probably getting costly to maintain now.

 

What options are you looking for? V6? 4wd? TRDOR package? SR5? You might can get into a 2018 SR for a good price. You can add options as you wish.

 

Pre-2018. No TSS FTW.

 

The truck in the link is an AC, 4WD.

But seriously. Judging by the "how much did you pay" thread, you could get a brand new Access Cab 4WD all day long for $28k.

To comment on that specific truck: Tail gate bolts are rusted. Right side gate latch is rusted. Truck is from Houston.....hmmmmmm. I would not walk, but run. From it.

 

Toyota is offering 0% or 1K back on Tacomas. Have you looked at new? When I was buying I didn’t see enough depreciation on a 2-3 year old Tacoma to justify previously owned.

 

20k on my 2017, no issues yet lol

 

I just assumed a brand new one would be more expensive. lol I didn't plan on paying the asking price on any of these used trucks. I am a bargainer. My insurance settlement is 15k on a 2009, so I could go higher than I planned. I want to do some off roading, but not extreme. I live in a flood prone area, so I will need some lift. I want automatic with OD, I think, and I just noticed that the truck I posted is pt 4wd. I am not sure if I want pt or ft 4wd. Any suggestions? This will be my first 4wd truck.

 

Unfortunately, I live in the Houston area, and yes, my house did flood, but my truck didn't! But that is a concern. Carfax reports are not reliable, either.

 

Buy a new one. A used one is not much cheaper.

 

Our trucks are PT 4WD. No need for FT, nor do they make FT for it

 

True. These trucks don't depreciate very fast. I was floored that my 2009 2wd access cab was worth 15k! There is the flood argument for a new one. I am afraid of buying a flood truck.

 

How do you drive it? Is it 2wd until you go off road?

 

Put your zip code in CarsGurus and see what you find. Here is a silver 2017 for $18,994 in Spring, TX. BTW, I have a 2016 and am very happy with it.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-2017-Toyota-Tacoma-c26006#listing=211972730

 

2015, or a earlier 2nd gen with a new frame!

 

2WD until you need extra traction. So anytime I'm driving in really bad weather such as deluge, heavy snow storms I will put it in 4WD. Anytime offroad in slippery conditions, mud, steep grades, rock crawling, standing water. I will turn it on on casual dirt roads just to lube it up.

Most important thing is to not use 4wd on dry pavement in tight turns

 

I'd be very iffy buying a used vehicle in Houston for a while. I'd hope most of the Harvey vehicles are gone by now, but you never know.

I had a coworker who needed to replace his flooded car after Harvey and dealerships were obviously trying to pass off flooded vehicles as fine. He even encountered several that still had soaked carpet that they told him never flooded.

 

Is that a 2wd? I want a 4wd and probably with a TRD package. I want to do some off roading. I have been looking at that site as well as several others. There are some really nice trucks with lots of mods for around 25k and less than 50k miles on them.

 

"Harvey" will be around for years. Watch out for private sellers now.